Grafton is arguably one of the best places to live in North Dakota from a cost perspective. There’s always something fun to do here year-round, whether it’s ice skating at the local rinks in winter or hiking the scenic trails of Icelandic State Park in the spring and summer. The low price-to-income ratio could be considered the sweet spot for people who are looking to buy on a budget.

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Jamestown sits approximately halfway between Fargo and Bismarck, both of which are roughly a 90-minute drive in either direction. One of the things Jamestown is notable for, aside from being one of the most affordable cities in North Dakota, is its love of the buffalo. Here, you’ll find both the National Buffalo Museum and the World’s Largest Buffalo.

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Valley City is about an hour’s drive from Fargo, which could make it appealing for people who don’t mind a longer commute. The cost of living is much less than the national average, and while the city is small, it doesn’t lack any of the basic amenities you’d expect to find. There are more than 30 parks in the city, including Medicine Wheel Park, which could be perfect if you like enjoying the fresh air.

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West Fargo is a suburb of Fargo and quite a few families live here, along with young professionals and retirees. Some of the best things about raising kids here include convenient access to education and the many different options you have for dining, shopping, and recreation. The Red River Zoo and Bonanzaville (a museum and village on the outskirts of West Fargo) are just two of the top attractions you might want to explore in the Fargo area.

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Ellendale is about two-and-a-half hours by car from the state capital, Bismarck, and it could be suited to families who are interested in smaller-town living. Given its size, there aren’t quite as many amenities here as there are in other North Dakota cities on this list. But you might not mind if you’re looking for a quieter place to call home.

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Horace is a smaller suburb of Fargo, and it’s only a 20-minute drive into the city, which could make it a good choice for planning a day trip with the kids or commuting to work. You’ll pay a little more to rent a home here, but overall the cost of living is still below the national average. Families appreciate the quality of the local school system and the close-knit feel.

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Fargo is the largest city in the Peace Garden State, and it’s a magnet for job-seekers as well as young adults who are interested in getting an education at North Dakota State University. The population has a median age of around 31, and most residents are single, childless, and hold at least one college degree. When you’re looking for something to do, you’ve got your choice of parks, local cafes and restaurants, shopping, and historical sites. You might assume renting or buying in Fargo would be expensive because it is one of the state’s larger cities, but that isn’t the case.

Westgate is a neighborhood in Fargo where you’ll find plenty of younger professionals. The median age is 33 years old, and there are a significant number of childless singles, with a fairly even split between men and women. Nearly half of the population is college-educated, and most people work for private companies in white-collar jobs. On average, homeowners pay more for property taxes here, but you won’t need a jumbo mortgage loan to buy a property.

Osgood is one of Fargo’s newest suburban neighborhoods, with a small but rapidly growing population. The area is mostly populated by younger professionals, many of whom work for private companies and earn a higher median household income. In terms of housing, there’s a fairly even split between renters and homeowners here. North Dakota offers a first-time homebuyer program, which is a great incentive to consider owning a property versus renting one.

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Minot is a larger city of almost 50,000 residents, and it has some great things to offer retirees. For example, if you’re interested in going back to school, you might enroll in classes at Minot State University. Or if you want to get out and see the sights, you can visit one of the many museums or cultural attractions in the area. And there are plenty of doctors to choose from when you need routine or specialty care.

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Grand Forks lies about an hour north of Fargo, and it’s just next door to Grand Forks Air Force Base. The city has a relaxed feel, and even though it’s a larger metro area, there are plenty of spaces to enjoy the outdoors and breathe the fresh air. The University of North Dakota is located here if you’re interested in going to school in retirement, and there are a number of doctors in the area specializing in geriatric medicine.

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Bismarck sits adjacent to the Missouri River, and it’s one of North Dakota’s largest cities by population. The median age of residents is a bit younger, but there are plenty of retirees living in the city and its surrounding suburbs. Bismarck is known for its excellent health care system, which might be a mark in its favor for retirees with chronic or serious medical issues. There’s no shortage of things to do and see either. The local housing market shows a median list price in early 2025 of around $418,000.

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Williston is tucked away in the northwest corner of the state, not far from the Montana border. The area is suited for lots of outdoor activities, including bird watching, fishing, and even hunting if you’re so inclined. If you’re interested in getting on the water, you can go kayaking, paddleboarding, or canoeing at Lewis & Clark State Park.

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Dickinson is next door to Theodore Roosevelt State Park and the Dakota Prairie Grasslands, where you’ll find some of the most impressive views around. There are trails for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking, along with opportunities for fishing, hunting, and canoeing. If you’re interested in whitewater rafting and don’t mind a drive, you can do that in nearby Bismarck.

Walhalla lies along the Canadian border, and it’s the northernmost city to be featured on our list. One of the major attractions in the area is the Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area, which is a top destination for hiking, ATV riding, kayaking, and horseback riding. In winter, you can head to Frost Fire Park for skiing and snowboarding. A home affordability calculator can give you a better idea of what you can realistically spend if you’re hoping to buy.

If you have a big-city job and a small budget, consider driving 25 minutes north to the Baton Rouge suburb of Zachary. No stranger to best-of lists, this small, friendly town boasts well-kept parks and a calendar full of events, including festivals and the weekly farmers’ market. Parents may appreciate the fact that the schools receive high marks.

Jennings is conveniently located on Interstate 10 and U.S. Highway 90, midway between Lafayette and Lake Charles. This charming small town has a decidedly French feel, thanks to Cajun roots that influence everything from the local restaurants to music venues and festivals. Jennings is also known as the “Cradle of Louisiana Oil,” since it’s home to the state’s first oil well, and the oil and gas industry still plays a major role in the local economy today.

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You’d be hard-pressed to find a more affordable place in Louisiana than Bastrop. But don’t worry, the low cost of living doesn’t require sacrificing a high quality of life. In fact, this northeast town is known for its stunning architecture, abundance of outdoor activities, and easy way of life.

Want to raise your crew away from the hustle and bustle of Baton Rouge? Consider Zachary. Located a short 25-minute drive from the capital city, this small town boasts well-maintained community parks and playgrounds. Parents may be drawn to its top-performing schools.

As you start shopping for a home, what goes into qualifying for a home loan can be confusing. Help take out some of the mystery surrounding the process by reading up on tips to qualify for a mortgage.

Families in Jennings don’t have to go far to find things to do — the town is full of kid-friendly activities. The playgrounds, walking track, and 10-acre fishing pond of the Louisiana Oil and Gas Park are popular attractions. On chilly or rainy days, you can take your crew to visit the baby alligators at Gator Chateau, soak in the world-class art collection in the Zigler Museum, or catch a live country music variety show at the Strand Theatre.

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Far from New Orleans in both location and culture, Shreveport’s culture, food, and street names reflect its close proximity to Arkansas and Texas. While Little Rock and Dallas make for good day trips, you’d be forgiven for not wanting to leave this vibrant city. Known for its jazz and blues scene, diverse dining options, and important historical sites, Shreveport offers more than enough to keep families of all ages entertained.

Maybe you want to be within easy driving distance of New Orleans, but far enough away to get more space and cheaper housing. If so, Elmwood might be the place for you.

When you’re ready to get serious about home buying, a good place to start is learning about the different types of mortgage loans to make sure you get the one that fits your needs.

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There was a time when Metairie was where city dwellers moved as they got older and started a family. But these days, the sprawling New Orleans suburb is attracting younger residents right off the bat with noteworthy restaurants, a revitalized lakefront area, and a convenient location.

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When most people picture the graceful oaks, spicy food, and upbeat music of Cajun Country, Lafayette often comes to mind. But this unique city isn’t just the stuff of travel books, it’s also a good place for young adults to call home. The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is in the center of town, and graduates often decide to stay and work here. Not surprisingly, Lafayette residents are on the younger side — the median age is 37.3 — and three quarters of households don’t have children.

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Retiring doesn’t have to mean slowing down, especially if you decide to settle in Bastrop. This bucolic town is known for its outdoor adventures, thanks to its proximity to the Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge and the Georgia Pacific Wildlife Management Center.

Retirees living in River Ridge, a bedroom community east of New Orleans, enjoy the kind of amenities found in larger towns. Community parks play host to local sporting teams, and family-owned restaurants, upscale boutiques, and grocery stores are sprinkled throughout town. The New Orleans International Airport is also within easy reach, a bonus when you’re hopping on a plane to visit friends and family.

Tucked away from New Orleans, but within 25 miles of two hospitals, Bogalusa is the kind of place where you can truly unwind. Pass an afternoon enjoying the shops, art galleries, and restaurants lining downtown. Or enjoy the best of what Mother Nature has to offer in the beautiful Bogue Chitto National Wildlife refuge.

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Mandeville’s prime location provides easy access to Lake Pontchartrain, where fishing and boating opportunities abound. When it’s time to raise the anchor and head back to shore, you can grab a bite at one of the many top-flight restaurants or take in the million-dollar views along the lakefront.

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Grab your rod and reel: Lake Charles is a well-established fishing destination, where anglers try their luck in Calcasieu Lake, Holly Beach, and (of course) Lake Charles. And because southwestern Louisiana enjoys mild winters, you can cast your line year-round. After a day on the boat or shore, take a load off at one of the many restaurants in this fast-growing city.

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Bayou Teche winds through the beautiful town of Breaux Bridge and plays host to activities and events throughout the year. If you prefer lots of outdoor action, you can get your fill of hunting, paddling, bird watching, and fishing. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, load up on the local specialty: crawfish. In fact, Breaux Bridge’s crawfish farming and cooking is so renowned, the town was officially designated the crawfish capital of the world.

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Bellevue is part of the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro area and it’s one of the larger suburban spots to make our list of the best places to live in Nebraska. Originally established as a fur-trading post, it’s the oldest continuous settlement in the state and is a thriving city that attracts families, young professionals, and retirees who are looking for convenient access to quality health care.

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Omaha is the most populous city in Nebraska, and its thriving economy is a definite mark in its favor for attracting newcomers. Job opportunities abound, as do local attractions, including the famed Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. Parents who move here will appreciate the well-rated school system. Omaha features plenty of affordable rental options, something you don’t always see in a larger city, and the large size of the market and the many homes for sale at all price points means it could be easier to find a place here.

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Kearney is consistently voted as one of the best places to live in Nebraska. Whether you’re interested in shopping, visiting local historic sites, or immersing yourself in the city’s diverse culture, you can do all of that and more here. Kearney also affords numerous opportunities to spend time outdoors, hiking, biking, kayaking, and canoeing. Completing the mortgage preapproval process can give you an idea of how much you might be able to borrow if you plan to buy.

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Seward is part of the Lincoln metro area, which could make it a good fit for families who prefer the suburbs to the busier city. Parents will be happy to hear that the schools are well-regarded. If you’re looking for something fun to do with kids, you can find the world’s largest time capsule located here. If you’re interested in owning a home, researching tips to qualify for a mortgage can make the process of getting a loan easier to navigate.

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Papillion is a suburb of Omaha that’s routinely at the top of ‘best places to live in America’ lists. It offers plenty of family-friendly attractions, and parents appreciate its good-quality schools. French fur traders are reportedly responsible for the town’s name, the French word for butterfly.

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Gering is an outstanding choice for families who are looking for a small-town feel. It’s quiet, there are lots of things to see and do around town with kids, and the cost of living isn’t a dealbreaker. With a home price-to-income ratio of under 3, you aren’t likely to need a jumbo mortgage loan in order to buy.

Ralston is part of the Omaha metro area and it offers many of the things any young professional might value. There’s a vibrant nightlife scene, plenty of parks where you can go for a jog or walk the dog, and the many restaurants and cafes make it a foodie’s dream. Along with those features, Ralston is also an affordable place to live for workers who are trying to do life on an entry-level salary. If this is your first time buying a home, explore the different types of mortgage loans before you go deep with your search.

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Lincoln is Nebraska’s second-largest city and its local economy revolves around business, manufacturing, agriculture, and transportation. Entrepreneurship is also encouraged here, and there are more than a few small business owners launching new ventures. The median age of residents is around 33, and the vast majority of residents are single and childless, which could bode well for those seeking to find “the one.”

La Vista is also a suburb of Omaha, and it manages to combine the best of both worlds, in terms of a small-town feel and big-city amenities. Young professionals will find plenty of affordable rental housing here. It’s perfectly situated for a short commute, though there are a good many job opportunities to be had in La Vista if you’re not interested in driving to Omaha.

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Beatrice sits about 40 minutes from Lincoln, making it close enough for day trips to visit doctors, check in on friends, or just go sightseeing. One in five people here is 65 or over. The local senior center regularly sponsors events and activities that are designed to encourage retirees to connect with their community.

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South Sioux City is uniquely situated along the Nebraska border and sits directly across the Missouri River from Sioux City, Iowa. It’s about halfway between Omaha and Sioux Falls, South Dakota, making it a potentially ideal spot for retirees who want to routinely travel to any of these cities. There’s plenty of local history to soak up as well as numerous scenic trails for stretching your legs. The home price-to-income ratio is low enough to make housing affordable even for seniors living on a fixed income in retirement.

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Sidney is located in western Nebraska, not far from the Colorado and Wyoming borders. It offers the epitome of small-town living and may be perfect for retirees who are looking for a cozy community in which to spend their golden years. The local senior center offers daily activities to help retirees stay active and involved alongside their peers. Sidney has one of the lowest price-to-income ratios on our list, which might make it attractive for retirees who want to own a home.

Burwell is a hotspot for those who enjoy boating, fishing, skiing, and other water sports. The Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area is perfect for a weekend camping trip and there are 31 miles of sandy beaches to lounge on (though, because there are no lifeguards on duty, swimming is at your own risk).

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Fremont could be a dream place to live for anyone who loves being close to the water. Fremont Lakes State Park is where you’ll find residents boating, swimming, camping, and picnicking when the weather is nice. If that’s not exciting enough, you can book an airboat tour along the Platte River, which is a great opportunity to catch a glimpse of the local wildlife. Unsure whether it makes sense to switch from renting to buying? Visit the home loan help center to learn more about how the process works.

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Grand Island is also close to the Platte River, but there are other ways to enjoy the water here. For example, if you have kids, you might take them to the Island Oasis Water Park for some splashy fun. In the spring, you can observe the migration of the sandhill cranes, which draws over one million waterfowl to the area.

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If you like a small-town feel and are looking to save on housing costs, then Portales, home to Eastern New Mexico University, could be a good fit. Cannon Air Force base is nearby, and the peanut and dairy industries also have a significant footprint in the local economy.

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Clovis can be a welcome community for those wanting to settle in New Mexico. It’s close to the Texas border, and the Cannon Air Force base is right outside town. The area is known for its rodeo events and music festivals. Locals and visitors enjoy the town’s zoo and 17 parks, as well as checking out the restaurants (from Spanish to Japanese) and breweries.

To compete more effectively in the market when home shopping, think about going through the mortgage preapproval process before your search heats up.

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Located on Route 66 and featuring an active downtown commercial area, Grants is a welcoming community that is a good fit no matter what stage of life you’re in. El Malpais National Monument, with its jaw-dropping volcanic landscape, is just outside town, and Albuquerque, with its more urban attractions, is about an hour away.

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Located on a mountain plateau not far from Santa Fe and Taos and many parks and protected lands, Los Alamos is home to the Los Alamos National Laboratory, which is also its main employer. Families might appreciate that, per capita, the population has exceptionally high levels of education, and the high-ranking school district here is appreciated by parents. There are a few primarily science-focused museums for families to explore as well.

If you’re buying one of the more expensive properties here, you might require a jumbo mortgage loan in order to make your purchase.

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Families are often drawn to the highly ranked public schools in Rio Rancho. When the kids aren’t hard at work, they can enjoy a lot of fun in this community. From outdoor parks to indoor trampoline centers that help beat the summer heat, there’s no shortage of good times to be found in Rio Rancho.

If you enter the market at a competitive moment, it can be wise to understand mortgage prequalification vs. preapproval and the right time in your search to explore these steps.

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If you’re looking for a kid-friendly city to raise your brood in, Roswell has a lot to offer. From the Chattahoochee River to the many UFO attractions to zoos to cinemas, there is no shortage of family-friendly fun waiting for you in Roswell. Add to that its lower-than-average cost of living, and you may understand why this is a popular community for clans with youngsters.

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Young adults often like to skip the sleepy suburbs in favor of a bit more hustle and bustle. With over half a million residents in Albuquerque, the largest city in New Mexico, young adults have a lot of opportunities to meet friends, date, and expand their professional network.

If you’re thinking of purchasing a home, it would be wise to explore first-time homebuyer programs in New Mexico.

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When first starting out, young adults tend to earn lower salaries, but it can be a smart move to settle in an area with a high earning potential. Home to the University of New Mexico and Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos offers ample opportunities for growth. It’s also not far from Santa Fe and other larger cities that may offer job options.

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Roswell can be a great place to make new friends and enjoy single life before settling down to start a family — not to mention the hundreds of job opportunities available, so finding that great first job should be doable. This can be an affordable place to call home when budgeting on an entry-level salary.

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If you want to live where seniors make up a good chunk of the population, consider Los Alamos, where almost 17% of residents are over the age of 65. It’s easy to meet new people in Los Alamos, thanks to the wide range of attractions like museums, parks, and senior centers.

If you’re planning to buy a home, explore the different types of mortgage loans to see how your payments would be affected by your loan type.

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Located near the Sierra Blanca mountains, this quaint town has a tranquil pace to daily life. A plethora of wineries and riverfront activities is likely to ensure kids and grandkids will keep coming back for fun visits. Exploring the outdoors is a popular way to spend time here (from kayaking to skiing), and just taking in the views of the snow-capped mountains add to the quality of life in Ruidoso, too.

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Rio Rancho offers a range of retiree amenities through its senior centers and services. The Meadowlark Senior Center provides recreational, social, and educational classes and programs, while the Broadmoor Senior Center serves as an additional hub for lifelong learning, offering health, fitness, and nutrition classes, as well as cultural and technology activities. Rio Rancho’s Senior Services Advisory Board plays a pivotal role in shaping and enhancing these offerings, ultimately enriching the retirement experience there.

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Taos residents of any age enjoy the scenery here. Taos lies in the southern Rocky Mountains and is near the Sangre de Cristo range. Williams Lake is a picturesque mountain lake that combines the best of both worlds, mountains and water. There’s also the beloved historic Taos Pueblo less than 10 minutes from the center of town. While homeownership can be pricey, renting can offer an affordable way to enjoy the Taos lifestyle.

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Aztec is near the Angel Peak Scenic Area and offers more than 30 miles of mountain biking trails, not to mention hiking, bird-watching, and lake access. You can explore the history of the Puebloan ruins or visit the Aztec Speedway for an adrenaline-pumping show.

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Between lakes and wineries, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the many recreational options that come with living in Ruidoso, located in the Sacramento Mountains at 6,900 feet elevation. Want every day to feel like a vacation? You’ll fit right into this small town.